Chicago White Sox Spring Training Preview: Shortstop

By Adam Sager

Eric P. Mull-US Presswire

The 2012 Chicago White Sox have a shortstop that is ready to become a very good player in this league, and his name is Alexei Ramirez. The “Cuban Missile” is one of the top defensive shortstops in the game that really isn’t recognized. He has the offensive ability to be an offensive force from the shortstop postion.

Ramirez, 30, is in the first year of his of his new 4 year $32.5 million deal he signed this past offseason. Last season Ramirez had a slash line of .269/.328/.399 with 15 home rums and 70 RBI. The Chicago White Sox need him to step up his game this season and become the type of player that they payed him to be.

The backup shortstops will be Brent Lillibridge, who will play everywhere, and either Eduardo Escobar or Ozzie Martinez. The White Sox may decide that Escobar and O. Martinez aren’t really needed to start the season with the big club and they could choose to keep someone like Dan Johnson or Dallas McPherson.